Man convicted of drug-related murder in Ludington

LUDINGTON -- A defendant in a drug-related slaying in Ludington has been convicted of first-degree murder.

A jury on Friday convicted 20-year-old Christopher Latimer of Baldwin of murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery charges. He faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole when sentenced.

Jarrett Barnard was killed in November. Authorities say the attack appeared to involve a marijuana sale.

Latimer testified in his own defense and said he was two or three steps out of an apartment when a gun was fired.

Two men earlier offered guilty pleas to robbery and conspiracy charges in the case, while another was convicted of first-degree murder.